Yes, I know we're getting a little women's basketball-y tonight. But it's the first game of the WNBA Finals! See that packed house in Phoenix? Here's a tip: a lot of those people aren't exactly paying customers.

Larry Bird purchased the upper level for the Fever's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals in Indiana and I want to show the same support for our amazing Mercury," Kerr said in a statement. "Both of us were part of championship teams and understand the importance of a packed house. For anyone who doubts the WNBA level of play, this is an opportunity to see for yourself. I challenge any doubters to come see the talent, skill and intensity on the court."

By the way, this was announced yesterday, so this is less of a goodwill gesture and more of a "let's avoid embarrassing our league" gesture.

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So, even with free tickets to this Mercury-Fever game, do Phoenix fans have, er, Mercury Fever? In a poll on the U.S. Airways Center website asking what people are most looking forward to, this series is currently losing to, among other things, "Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends."